The In Drinks business accelerator programme which mentors start up drinks companies has revealed its two winners in the first year of its competition.
In Drinks Catalyst has announced its two winners following a busy trade show and conference in Glasgow.
Impact Coffee, a functional cold brew coffee in a can, won the non-alcoholic category after wowing the judges with their pitch and plan for business growth.
In the alcoholic category, Lonkero, was presented with the award for delivering a unique proposition to the market with great potential for growth. The gin and grapefruit mixer which is inspired by the Finish long drink is the first of its kind in the UK. Judges have committed business support to help growth the brand with a wide range of experienced advisers now on hand to support both businesses.
The winners were announced at In Drinks trade show where 1,400 visitors joined over 100 drinks brands and 80 exhibitors last week, the second annual trade show which is now the largest independent trade show for the drinks sector in the north.
Adam Hardie, Head of Food and Drink at Johnston Carmichael, commented;
“In Drinks Catalyst presented real passion and enthusiasm from all our finalists who pitched with real insight and commitment to their brands. All of them have enjoyed the opportunity to showcase their products at the wider show for free and I’m pleased to hear that many of them have picked up much valued leads. Congratulations to everyone and especially Impact Coffee and Lonkero. We are looking forward to watching their progress.”
Jason Dobson, Director of Contagious, commented,
“The team at Contagious are looking forward to working with both our winners on their growth journey in the coming year. With Impact Coffee we found a really admirable leader who we feel confident can succeed on the right path and the passion and drive from the team at Lonkero gives us great confidence in their future. Congratulations to all the finalists”
Andrew Walker, partner of Morton Fraser MacRoberts LLP, commented,
“We were delighted to co-sponsor the InDrinks Catalyst competition again (as we did in 2023). The standard of entries was incredibly high and this made it a very difficult decision for the judges. Huge congratulations to the winners who my colleagues and I very much look forward to supporting in the year ahead.”
In Drinks Catalyst received 20 entries from start-up businesses from across the UK and covered all major drinks categories including low and no alcohol, beers and alcoholic spirits.
